Xbox 360 Chatpad and headset hands-on, impressions

So we snagged ourselves an Xbox 360 Messenger Kit (aka Chatpad + Chatpad headset), unboxed the hell out of it, and here's what we think:

Blister packs suck. Microsoft, we are sick of them.
The Chatpad is a little difficult to get on and off, but once engaged it fits perfectly on the controller (duh), and feels like...

[Crazyglues]

I think I'm gonna get it anyway, since I'll get free shipping from Amazon by adding it to my other stuff - (halo 3 and Assassins Creed, PGR4, and some other stuff)-also gonna get the wireless headset, so it's cool.

[Zhuk]

gonna pick this up, it'll be useful to have as using live messenger will be loads easier

[Nascasho]

I wonder if the wireless headset will work with the ChatPad because the Wireless headset gets replaced by whatever is inserted into the headset jack on the controller.

[heavyarms]

LOL loook this thing will allow me to type faster messages to my friends. Wow its alittle heavy plz. I'm gonna buy this.

[reaperxciv]

get this, i like.. i like!

[zigzag]

that looks like crap they should've done better

[DJ]

Though I doubt Sony will put one out since PS3 supports 4 USB connections and 7 wireless connections at the same time; they'll just assume people are using the digital keyboard or a bluetooth board. (I use a USB keyboard)

[NextGen24Gamer]

I use a usb keyboard with my Elite/HD dvd add on...but yet this is way cooler than a keyboard in my lap. Everytime I want to text someone...I have to put my controller down and use the keyboard...lol....This is a very cool peripheral...

BTW...when you purchase the HD dvd add on you get 2 extra usb ports...which then gives you 4 open usb ports on the xbox 360....along with the 4 wireless controllers...so both the Ps3 and the 360 have more than enough usb/wireless connections...I think the keypad is convenient and cool for gamers using xbox live. And on the keypad there is a connection for your head set as well. Very cool indeed.

[DJ]

the two consoles support, as subtle as it was. I would much rather have this particular peripheral simply because it doesn't require any additional wires (wireless is king). I might get a Bluetooth keyboard someday, but the messages I send are usually quite short so there's no rush.

Hopefully they come out with a messaging solution that doesn't require a keyboard and instead just relies on the wireless headset instead (voice-to-text). Sony's probably more likely to take this route since doing a mini-keyboard attachment just doesn't fit the Playstation image of being cutting edge. Microsoft is more into add-on peripherals that simply plug-and-play.

[power of Green]

A must buy for me. I have a few gamers on my friends list I hate talking to(some geeky mutha fukas but hella good at some of the games i like)this will be great to punch in some info real fast. LOl at the dip-sh*t picking this thing apart.

Blister packs Suck? if you're typing so much your hands hurt you need to use the headset.

[kmega87]

anyone who plays phantasy star should get this

[Saint Sony]

This will be a must with MMOs that have txt based chatting. USB keyboard works of course (I use one all the time), but if you want to keep your hands on controller and even run and type.. then yes, this is it.